The french harpist Solenn Grand is principal harpist at the State Opera in Prague.

Born in Aix-en-Provence, Solenn studied and worked in numerous countries, before settling up in Prague in 2019.

 

She studied at the Frankfurt Musik Hochschule for her Bachelor degree, and then a Master degree in London, at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire. Right after graduating, she won her first position in 2015 with the Brazilian Symphonic Orchestra in Rio de Janeiro.

Though she enjoyed a lot the south American experience, she moved back to Germany and worked as principal harpist with the Hofer Symphoniker until 2019, while studying at the Royal Academy of London. 

 

In parallel to her work at the Prague State Opera, she works as a regular guest with numerous orchestra including the Opéra National de Paris, the Halle Orchestra, the Bremer Philarmoniker, the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, the Qatar Philharmonic and Frankfurt Opern Orchestra amongst others.

 

In recent years, Solenn has been successful in several harp competitions including Third Prize at the International Hong Kong Harp Competition 2021, First Prize at the North Internationale Competition 2017, the John Marson Prize in 2015, 2nd Prize at  7. VDH-Wettbewerb 2013, 2nd Prize at the Camac North London Harp Competition 2013, 2nd Prize at the 19. Petar Konjovic Competition 2013 and the J-P Morgan Challenge Competition in 2012. 

 

Solenn is artistic director of the « Live Music Now » Foundation in Czech Republic, founded by violinist Yehudi Menuhin. It aims to bring classical live music to people who can not go to concert venues, and the concerts are given by young musicians. To know more please visit www.livemusicnow.cz

 

Solenn is also a dedicated a yoga practitioner, currently training to become a yoga teacher.